“So don’t look at the troubles we can see now: rather we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.” 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Just like in archery, if we are distracted by the action going on around us, we’re going to miss hitting our target. Pictured above is my daughter, who is trying to focus through the rain — a problem beyond her control. She knows concentration and keeping her eyes fixed on the middle of the target is key to hitting a bullseye.

An archer follows her training: Tune out the distractions. Be still. Focus. Breathe. Release. Impact.

And … repeat.

Our spiritual life is much the same. What’s your ultimate focus? Is it God and eternity? If not, what is your priority?

This impressive ceiling is from The Palmer House in Chicago, Illinois. It’s magnificent. Look at the details and see how together they form a beautiful human creation. It’s creative and expressive. God, after all, designed us to be creative, like him. Although, none of us can create the beauty of this life — us, our world, the universe, we can add to the splendor.

The more we explore and discover this world and the universe, the more we realize how creative and wonderful God is. The details fascinate us, and our thirst for discovery grows. And that’s OK. God is not afraid of the question “Why?” These are all gifts God has given us.

So explore your own creativity. Pursue knowledge. Talk to God and use the gifts he gave you. Just don’t be surprised that in your creative quest you find God in the details.

In Galatians 5: 22-23, the fruit of the Spirit is listed. If we are following Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit will lead us to “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

What is against the law is found in the paragraph before: “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

The Scripture goes on to say that “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

May we all be led by and be in step with the Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.